Jill DuffyCODi UltraLite Laptop BackpackExceedingly lightweight and relatively inexpensive, the CODi UltraLite Laptop Backpack is a fine yet basic bag, as long as you don't need to bring much more than your computer.

Doesn't expand much. Not roomy. Not versatile. Only available in black with gray and red accents.

Bottom Line

Exceedingly lightweight and relatively inexpensive, the CODi UltraLite Laptop Backpack is a fine yet basic bag, as long as you don't need to bring much more than your computer.

The CODi UltraLite line of laptop bags couldn't be more lightweight. They remind me of LeSportsac in that the bag itself weighs practically nothing, which means you can carry them and whatever heavy senselessly heavy items you put in them longer and with less strain. The CODi UltraLite Laptop Backpack ($79.99, direct) is fine if you're looking for just that sense of lightness in a computer bag, It's also relatively inexpensive, given the price tag on high-end bags these days, like those from Crumpler (for example, Crumpler's Nhill Heist bag sells for $175, although it's a design work of genius). The CODi backpack, however, looks rather unremarkable and doesn't expand enough to hold much more than a laptop and its charger. I could fit slightly more into the CODi backpack than its briefcase-shaped cousin, the CODi UltraLite Top Load Laptop($79.99, list), but still not a lot.

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Red accents makes this black and gray backpack a little less humdrum than it might otherwise be, and a vertical front zippered section (also highlighted in red) leaves its mark, too. The exterior doesn't have any usable hooks or pockets—two mesh pouches on either side are a tight squeeze for the travel mug or reusable water bottle they're meant to hold.

One thing I value in bags is versatility. Sure, I might invest in a secure and well-padded laptop bag, but I'd like it to be able to double as a day bag when I'm traveling, or a gym tote in a pinch. The main problem I had with the CODi line of bags is they're not suited for multiple kinds of use because they don't expand.

I carried the CODi UltraLite Laptop Backpack around for a few days, both on foot and by bicycle, and quickly learned that it's good for carrying a small laptop, netbook, or tablet, but not my spare pair of shoes, lunch, or a few small items in boxes.

Expansion just isn't in this bag's feature list. Sure, it weighs a scant 1.9 pounds and measures 12 by 17.5 by 4.25 inches (HWD), but those last four and a quarter inches are a stretch. The CODi backpack holds one or two flat objects just fine, with secure zippers, a padded interior, and a durable nylon and polyester lining, but it doesn't open up to hold anything more.

The backpack has a good number of compartments (I counted 13 in all, including the two previously mentioned mesh exterior pouches), with two main areas that have dedicated pockets for a laptop, tablet, and compatible cords. The laptop and tablet sections are separate, and I like that they manage to fit the right size device. Often, bags just give you one oversized padded section, which leaves a tablet sliding around.

Despite all the pockets and pouches, you'll only be able to fit a limited number of items into this bag unless they're all supremely slim due to the bag's lack of expansion.

Breathable and padded shoulder straps are comfortable enough, although the laptop and tablet pouches live all the way in the back of the bag, where they're warm bleeds through the fabric onto your back—not ideal in a warm climate.

The CODi UltraLite Laptop Backpack is a fine and reasonably priced option if you don't carry much more than a laptop, netbook, or tablet and specifically don't want anything too stylized. Even those red accents are modest. But having worn it for a while, I've come to the conclusion that I'd rather spend twice as much for a bag that's more versatile, stylish, and well designed. My favorite bag of late is the Editors' Choice Arnold Heist bag by Crumpler ($105, direct, 4.5 stars), which is just as lightweight and despite its tiny size is much more expansive—though it's too tiny for full-sized laptops (it fits tablets and netbooks with 11-inch screens and smaller). On that front, I'd prefer to be seen wearing the edgy Chrome Citadel backpack ($190, direct, 4 stars) or the slightly more sophisticated Crumpler Nhill Heist bag I mentioned previously. The Chrome and Crumpler line of bags last for life in both quality and style. The CODi UltraLites are fine if their limitations are in line with your needs, and you'll don't mind replacing it after a few years.

Jill Duffy is a contributing editor, specializing in productivity apps and software, as well as technologies for health and fitness. She writes the weekly Get Organized column, with tips on how to lead a better digital life. Her first book, Get Organized: How to Clean Up Your Messy Digital Life is available for Kindle, iPad, and other digital formats. She is also the creator and author of ProductivityReport.org.
Before joining PCMag.com, she was senior editor at the Association for Computing Machinery, a non-profit membership organization for...
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